REQUEST FOR COMMENT & NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

Proposed Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for Jean in Luzerne and Sullivan Counties.

Northcentral Region: Water Supply Management Program Manager, 208 West Third Street, Williamsport, PA 17701

The Department of Environmental Protection will accept comments on the proposed TMDL developed for the in Sullivan and Luzerne Counties. The TMDL was established in accordance with the requirements of Section 303(d) of the . ’s 1996, 1998 and 2004 Section 303(d) lists included Lake Jean as impaired by low pH due to acid deposition.

Pennsylvania’s water quality criteria, as described in PA Code § 93.7, require the pH to be between 6.0 and 9.0. This TMDL will address pH by analyzing the balance between acidity and alkalinity. A two-step approach is used for the analysis of atmospheric deposition impaired waterbodies. The first step is a statistical method for determining the allowable instream concentration at the point of interest (sample location) necessary to meet water quality standards. The second step is a mass balance of the loads as they pass through the watershed.

The following table shows the estimated current acidity loading for the sample locations within the watershed. Overall load reductions necessary in order to meet the TMDLs are also identified:

Summary of TMDL-Based Load Reductions in the Lake Jean Watershed Sample Location Pollutant Existing Load TMDL % (lbs/yr) (lbs/day) Reduction Ganoga Lake Tributary Acidity 140.6 4.1 97 Beaver Dam Tributary Acidity 33.5 4.3 87 Direct Drainage to Lake Acidity 184.0 10.9 94 Lake Outlet Acidity 194.0 34.2 0

The data and all supporting documentation used to develop the proposed TMDL are available from the Department. The proposed TMDL and information on the TMDL program can be viewed on the Department’s web site at www.dep.state.pa.us (PA Keyword: TMDL). To request a copy of this TMDL or to submit written comments, contact Jeff Gocek (Department of Environmental Protection, Water Management Program, Permit Section, 208 West Third Street, Suite 101, Williamsport, PA 17701).

The Department will consider all comments in developing the final TMDL, which will be submitted to EPA for approval. Written comments will be accepted at the above address and must be postmarked by July 5, 2004. A public meeting to discuss the technical merits of the TMDL will be held on June 24, 2004, at 7:00 PM at the office.

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